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Hello Oklahoma City! It’s your trusted team at Okey Locksmith, back with another blog post to help you navigate the ever-complex world of locks and security. In this topic? The often overlooked but highly essential process of lock rekeying. Trust us; it’s more important than you think!
Professional locksmith experts with local experience in Oklahoma City.
Hello Oklahoma City! It’s your trusted team at Okey Locksmith, back with another blog post to help you navigate the ever-complex world of locks and security. In this topic? The often overlooked but highly essential process of lock rekeying. Trust us; it’s more important than you think!
Related Article: Locksmithing and Home Insurance: What You Need to Know
First off, let’s demystify what rekeying actually is. In a nutshell, rekeying is the process of changing the internal components of a lock so that it works with a new key, rendering the old key useless. The lock remains the same key otherwise; only its internal mechanics are altered. Sounds simple, but the benefits can be enormous.
Compared to replacing a lock entirely, rekeying is often much more budget-friendly. You’re only changing the internal tumblers, not the entire the lock mechanism, so the cost of materials and labor is generally lower.
Rekeying is usually a quick job for a professional locksmith, often taking less than an hour per new lock on. So you can enhance your security without a major time commitment.
If you’ve ever lost a key—or worse, had one stolen—you know the anxiety that comes with wondering who might have access to your home or business. Rekeying immediately alleviates this concern.
Whether you’ve just bought a new home or are moving your business to a new location, you can’t be sure who has copies of the keys. Rekeying should be at the top of your to-do list.
If you run a business and your company have had recent staff changes, particularly in roles that had access to sensitive areas, rekeying is a sensible precaution.
Lock rekeying provides the option to enhance your security without having to invest in new locks. You can even choose to have your locks rekeyed to work with a master key system, providing different levels of access for different people, all without replacing the locks themselves.
Great, you’re on board with the idea of rekeying, but when exactly should you do it? Glad you asked! Here are some common scenarios where rekeying should be seriously considered:
If your property has been the unfortunate target of a break-in, or even an attempted one, rekeying your locks should be your first order of business. Even if the intruder didn’t make it inside, it’s a sign that your security when locked up could be improved.
This one’s a no-brainer. If your keys are missing, you won’t rest easy until you know no one else can use them. Rekeying is the quickest and most effective way to restore your peace of mind.
Even if you haven’t encountered any of the above scenarios, it’s wise to rekey your locks every few years just as a general precaution. Plus, lock technology is continually evolving; newer, more secure options may be available that weren’t when you first got your locks.
Ah, the million-dollar question—except, thankfully, it’s not going to cost you anywhere near a million dollars! The cost of rekeying your front door locks really can vary depending on several factors, and while we can’t give you an exact figure in this blog, we can help you understand what influences the cost.
Type and Number of Locks
The more locks you have, the higher the total cost will be. However, doing them all at once might save you some money compared to doing them individually over time. The type of lock also affects the cost; high-security locks or commercial-grade locks can be more complex and, therefore, more expensive to rekey.
Labor Costs
The locksmith’s labor is another factor. While rekeying is generally quick, some locks are more complicated than others. The time of day can also impact labor costs; emergency or after-hours services might come with a premium.
This one’s a no-brainer. If your keys are missing, you won’t rest easy until you know no one else can use them. Rekeying is the quickest and most effective way to restore your peace of mind.
Even if you haven’t encountered any of the above scenarios, it’s wise to rekey your locks every few years just as a general precaution. Plus, lock technology is continually evolving; newer, more secure options may be available that weren’t when you first got your locks.
Ah, the million-dollar question—except, thankfully, it’s not going to cost you anywhere near a million dollars! The cost of rekeying your front door locks really can vary depending on several factors, and while we can’t give you an exact figure in this blog, we can help you understand what influences the cost.
Type and Number of Locks
The more locks you have, the higher the total cost will be. However, doing them all at once might save you some money compared to doing them individually over time. The type of lock also affects the cost; high-security locks or commercial-grade locks can be more complex and, therefore, more expensive to rekey.
Labor Costs
The locksmith’s labor is another factor. While rekeying is generally quick, some locks are more complicated than others. The time of day can also impact labor costs; emergency or after-hours services might come with a premium.
Additional Services
While you have a locksmith on site, you might decide to make other security upgrades, like installing a deadbolt or setting up a master key system. These additional services will add to the overall cost.
Location
Believe it or not, where you live can influence the cost. Rates can vary from city to city and even from one neighborhood to another.
Who You Hire
All locksmiths are not created equal. Make sure to hire a certified and reputable professional (like your friends at Okey Locksmith!). While going for the cheapest option might be tempting, quality service is worth the investment for something as crucial as your security.
You’re all in on the idea of rekeying, but now you’re probably wondering, “Can my specific type of lock be rekeyed?” Great question! Most locks can be rekeyed, but let’s go through the common types you’re likely to encounter and whether they are good candidates for rekeying.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts are among the most commonly rekeyed locks. Whether it’s a single or double cylinder, as long as the lock is in good working condition, it can usually be rekeyed without any issues.
Doorknob Locks
Yes, those standard doorknob locks you find on many interior doors can be rekeyed. These door keys are usually straightforward and quick to rekey.
Lever Handle Locks
Common in commercial settings, lever handle locks can also be rekeyed. Their internal mechanisms are similar to doorknob locks, making them a good candidate for rekeying.
Padlocks
Some padlocks can be rekeyed, although many cheaper models can’t be. If “rekeyability” is an important feature for you, look for padlocks that are designed with this capability.
High-Security Locks
High-security locks have complex internal mechanisms, but they can usually be rekeyed. In fact, they are often designed to be easily “rekeyable” to make security updates more convenient.
Mortise Locks
Common in older homes and commercial settings, mortise locks can be rekeyed, although the process can be a bit more involved due to their construction.
Smart and Electronic Locks
You might be surprised to learn that even some smart locks can be rekeyed. While the electronic components can be reset, the physical key override (if available) can often be rekeyed just like a traditional lock.
Cabinet and Furniture Locks
In many cases, smaller locks like those on cabinets and certain types of furniture can also be rekeyed, although sometimes it may be more cost-effective to simply replace them.
Vehicle Locks
Yes, even the locks on your car can generally be rekeyed, although this usually requires a locksmith specialized in automotive locks.
A Few Exceptions:
The short answer is no, but having the original key can make the process easier and potentially less expensive.
With the Original Key
If you have the original key, the rekeying process is generally quicker and smoother. The locksmith can simply use the original key to remove the lock cylinder and proceed with the rekeying. Having the original key minimizes the labor involved and can, therefore, reduce the cost.
Without the Original Key
Don’t worry if you’ve lost the original key or never had it to begin with; a skilled locksmith can still rekey the lock. However, the process becomes a bit more complicated. The locksmith will need to pick the lock open to gain access to and unlock the lock cylinder. Once this is done, the lock can be rekeyed as usual.
So if you’re considering enhancing your security through rekeying, give us a call or swing by Okey Locksmith. We’re always here to offer tailored advice and top-notch service, ensuring you get the best security and repair solutions for your unique needs.
Stay safe, stay secure, Oklahoma City!
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While our blog provides valuable insights, when you need hands-on help, Okey Locksmith is here 24/7 with professional locksmith services throughout Oklahoma City.